In 1881, Julius August Kalmar founded Kalmar, a Viennese company that produced handcrafted objects of cast bronze. Kalmar developed a fine reputation and exhibited internationally often, but it was Kalmar’s son, Julius Theodor Kalmar, who took over in 1913 and made the company shine with its modernist lighting.
Having studied at the Birmingham School of Art and Design and under the Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann at the Vienna School of Applied Arts, Julius was deeply inspired by the shift to modernity taking place in Europe and sought to work with the leading architects and designers of his time, including Austrian Werkbund architects Josef Frank and Oskar Wlach as well as Ernst Plischke, Clemens Holzmeister and Oswald Haerdtl. Similar to the Wiener Werkstätte cooperative cofounded by Hoffmann that prized materials, form and function, Kalmar viewed his company’s lighting fixtures as “quite humble things” meant to “fit in and serve their purpose of functionally illuminating spaces without glare.”
In 1925, Kalmar began selling in Haus und Garten, the forward-looking decor shop founded by Frank and Wlach. By 1931, a close partnership with the Austrian Werkbund association of architects, artists and craftsmen allowed the company to realize its vision of early 20th-century modernity — a distinctly Viennese pairing of traditional workmanship with contemporary technology. These collaborations included chandeliers and other fixtures using traditional materials such as glass, bronze and brass while focusing on function over ornamentation. As the company grew, so too did the scope of its projects, and soon Kalmar was installing extravagant chandeliers for the Vienna Opera, the Burgtheater, Vienna stock exchange and other sites.
Under the guidance of Rudolf Calice, Julius Theodor Kalmar’s son-in-law, the 1960s saw Kalmar’s popularity grow, thanks in part to the success of more decorative pieces like the ice-glass fixtures created with Austrian sculptor Karl Gruber. Thomas Calice, the great-grandson of Kalmar’s founder, led the company in the 1990s and its expansion to international lighting projects while shifting away from serial production. In 2009, Thomas’s son August Chalice established Kalmar Werkstätten to produce fixtures that reference the Kalmar archives but also feature updates on the iconic designs. Kalmar continues to produce bespoke fixtures while also working on custom lighting projects around the world, from cruise ships to the Burj Khalifa.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Kalmar lighting that includes wall lights, floor lamps and other fixtures.
A 'Dora' Moon Rock Lamp Designed by André Cazenave for Singleton, Italy, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
Located in Aachen, NRW
A rare and highly desirable “Dora” Moon Rock lamp by André Cazenave for Singleton, Italy, dating from the 1970s. This example stands out for its exceptional proportions, with a near-...
Polyester
Pair of Large Murano Glass Sconces by Kalmar 'Fuente', Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with ice glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Serie: 'Fuente' High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned...
Murano Glass
1970's Kalmar Ice Crystal Glass Sconce
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Schoorl, NL
This is a stunning Kalmar ice glass crystal sconce from the 1970s. The glass looks like pure ice from a glacier and sparkles when illuminated. It is constructed of two pieces laid at...
Metal
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Barovier
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two large and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan 73 HL by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two lights are ...
Metal
Austrian Midcentury "Sierra" Ice-Glass Pair of Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beautiful Austrian midcentury "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Sierra". These fixtures were designed and manfactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Frnaken. Each Wall Sconce is c...
Metal
J.T. Kalmar Vienna „Dorn“ Midcentury Ceiling Lamp Flush Mount Uplight, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A minimalist yet elegant flush-mount light fixture (plafoniere / chandelier) from the 1950s. Model no. 5178, manufactured by J. T. Kalmar in Vienna, Austria. A generously sized piece...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
1 of 5 Large Kalmar Murano Flush mount Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large flush mount lights designed by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s Wonderful large organic Murano glass / bi-colored clear and amber/smoked. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned...
Murano Glass
Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Kaiser, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large Murano smoked glass chandelier designed by Kaiser, Germany manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 2 thick Murano glass elements attached to a brass...
Brass
Large Kalmar Ice Glass Flushmount, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful round ice glass flushmount, by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s. Thickly textured Ice glass fixture on a white metal base. High quality and in perfect condition. Cleaned, we...
Murano Glass
Extra Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Sconce Wall Light, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconce, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each tulip-shaped glass is handmade, which makes each glass piece a unique piece. The sconce...
Murano Glass
One of Five J.T. Kalmar Franken Brown and Clear Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 5 flush mounts /wall lights, gorgeous and stylish, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s. With a handcrafted thick ice glass plate attached to the center. With bras...
Metal, Brass
Big chandelier by J.T. Kalmar with structure glass around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Big chandelier by J.T. Kalmar with structure glass around 1950s Original condition Only the wire is changed ( new )
Brass
1 of 2 Pairs of Kalmar Sconces Glass Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with Murano glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired, and...
Glass
Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Kalmar, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning Murano white clear glass chandelier designed by Kalmar, Austria manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 4 thick Murano glass elements attached to a brass...
Brass
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Light Chandelier, Glass Brass White Metal, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Fontana Arte, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A flush mount light fixture model 'Tulipan' by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970, (late 1960s-early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives from the tulip...
Brass, Metal
Brass and Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
High-end wall sconces made of blown clear and opal Murano glass on a messing hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a...
Brass
1 of 3 Petite Murano Glass Pendant Light by Kalmar, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 Petite Stunning Pendant lights by Kalmar, 1960s Brass frame with 4 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in very good c...
Brass
1 of 6 Large Kalmar Murano Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 6 Wonderful midcentury wall sconces with extra-large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Great geometrical shape. Each fix...
Murano Glass
Exceptional Huge Seven Tiers Ballroom Sculpture by J.T Kalmar, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 exceptional, huge, clean and modern six-tier ballroom flush mount chandelier by J.T. Kalmar Leuchten from the 1960s. The chandelier consists six layers with a 141 hand blo...
Brass
Pair of Midcentury Austrian Ice-Glass "Puck" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Stunning Austrian midcentury "Kalmar" wall sconces, model "Puck". These sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. Each wall sconce is composed by ...
Metal
Atomic Pendant Light Chandelier by Kalmar, Polished Chrome, 1970s, One of Two
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two 12-arm polished chrome atomic chandeliers or pendant lights model 'ATOMIC 12 HL' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s...
Chrome
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Light Fixture, Austria 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
An exceptional 'Tulipan' flush mount chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in the midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Murano Tulipan sh...
Metal, Brass
Citrus Wall Lamp in Glass and Metal from Kalmar Franken Kg, Set of 2
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in KUTNO, PL
The Citrus wall lamp set is a design by the Austrian manufacturer Kalmar Franken KG, one of Europe’s most renowned producers of modernist lighting. Since the 1950s, Kalmar has been f...
Metal
Austrian Midcentury Murano Glass "Catena" Chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and large Austrian midcentury Chandelier from 1970s, model "Catena". This chandelier was made during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. This fixture is composed by 3...
Metal
1 of 2 Petite Single Sconce Glass Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconce with Murano glass, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Good quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired, and ready to use. The sc...
Metal
1 of 2 Pairs of Midcentury Kalmar Wall Sconces with Murano Glass, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with murano glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and ...
Glass
Murano & Brass Wall Lamps by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, AVMazzega, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Brussel, BE
Beautiful set of two wall lamps, sconces, made of a plied piece of clear Murano glass with dark cloud (which was probably made by Mazzega’s masters), suspended to a mirror-polished b...
Metal, Brass
One of Two Huge Chandeliers Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two extra large and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan HL 155 by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two ligh...
Metal, Brass
1 of 4 Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights 'Palazzo', Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 Wonderful midcentury wall sconces with five Murano glass pieces placed on a 24-carat gold-plated frame, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality a...
Murano Glass
Extra Large Stunning Kalmar Sconce Wall Light, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Mid-Century wall sconce with 16 large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each sconce requires 16 x E14 small bulbs....
Metal
Flexible Wall lamp kalmar vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Flexible Wall lamp kalmar vienna around 1950s Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
One of the Six Modern Handmade Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, for Katie
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the six-light fixtures. T by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1959 this set is handmade and high end. The glass has beautiful wave texture in it, what give...
Steel
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Glass Flush Mount Light Chandelier, 1970s, One of Three
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Mazzega, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and fantastic "Tulipan" flush mount light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Three lights are availa...
Metal, Brass
Mid - Century Modern "Florida" Chandelier by Kalmar, Glass and Brass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A mid - century modern "Florida" chandelier by J.T.Kalmar, Austria, circa 1970s. This beautiful chandelier is made of gilt brass with 21 heavy thick clear ice glass blocks. Socket: ...
Brass
Pair of Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By Mazzega, Fontana Arte, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of square and extra large 'Granada' light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). Two pairs are available. The lamps...
Brass
1 of 5 Large Murano Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers structure gathering 18 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in very...
Murano Glass
Large Austrian Vintage Textured Ice Glass Wall Ceiling Light Flush Mount 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful square textured Murano glass flush mount for wall or ceiling by J.T. Kalmar for Franken KG. Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: Four x E27 (US E26).
Metal
Sische Glass and Chrome Chandelier, 1960s Modernist Design, Kalmar Style
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
This ceiling light was designed by Simon and Schelle, featuring a rectangular chrome base and four massive glasses in the shape of a four lobed flower.xa0 Dimensions: Height 25.2 in...
Chrome
1 of 3 Large Rare Murano Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Three tiers structure gathering 22 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in ver...
Murano Glass
3-Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Crystal Glass, 1 Chandelier and 2 Wall Lights
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
We offer a amazing set of Kalmar light fixtures. The set is executed to a very high standard. By J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970. Kalmar was the most important pr...
Brass
One Kalmar Midcentury Brass & Textured Glass Scone Wall Light, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A single beautiful brass wall light with a lampshade made of solid textured melting ice glass with nice knobs. Manufactured by J. T. Kalmar Vienna in the 1950s. In very good conditio...
Brass
Set of Three Kalmar Chandeliers Pendant Lights Palazzo, Gilt Brass Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Orrefors, Fontana Arte, Venini, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of three very exquisite 24-carat gold-plated brass and clear brilliant glass pendant light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (lat...
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Wall Lights Sconces, Bubble Glass Brass, 1970, 2 Pairs
By Kalmar Lighting, Orrefors, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of 'Tulipan' glass wall light fixtures by Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two pairs are available. The name Tulipa...
Brass, Metal
Huge Square Flush Mount "Pagoda" by Kalmar, Nickel and Glass, circa 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A large mid - cenutry modern fifteen-light pyramidal flush mount "Pagoda" by Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, circa 1970s. The light fixture is made of ni...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
Large Square Glass Flush Mount J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Clean lines to complement all decors. Amazing large scale square glass flush mount by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured circa 1970, (late 1960s and early 1970s). Multiple t...
Metal, Brass
Midcentury Pair of Kalmar Mazzega Murano Glass Wall Lights or Sconces, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega, AVMazzega, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Rare Vintage Mid-Century Modern rare pair of organic brass, white and clear Murano glass double socketed wall lamps, lights or sconces by Austrian lighting manufacturer Kalmar, circa...
Metal, Brass
Large Kalmar Textured Ice Glass Sconce, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful and substantial wall light by Kalmar, Austria, designed and manufactured in the 1960s. This impressive fixture exemplifies the refined elegance of mid-century Austrian li...
Metal, Chrome
$1,036Sale Price / item|20% Off
Red Austrian Midcentury Brass Zylinder Sconce by J. T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
This minimalistic and pure Austrian Midcentury zylindrical Set of three wall lights or sconces were designed and manufactured by J. T. Kalmar in the 1950s in Vienna Austria, Mod. No ...
Metal, Brass
1 of the 4 Kalmar Citrus Swirl Ice Glass Wall Lights, Austria, 1969
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 4 Kalmar swirl sconces with clear glass panels with light goldfish amber colored stripe in it. Beautiful, thick textured glass is complimented by white metal hardware. Beaut...
Metal
Huge Kalmar Chandelier 'Finger', Textured Ice Glass and Nickel, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An extra large light fixture model 'FINGER' by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). A white painted metal frame holds a lot of textured ...
Metal, Nickel
Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of two rare 'Tulipan' glass pendant chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in Midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives fr...
Metal
Kalmar Large "Granada" Ice Crystal Glass & Brass Flushmount Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Austrian made rare large 'Granada' model with brass hardware and ice crystal glass flush mount chandelier by Kalmar, circa 1970. Featuring eight hanging glass elements resembling ice crystals suspended from a polished brass flushmount. Perfect for any midcentury or Hollywood Regency style home and perfect as an opulent powder room light, over a dining room table or for romantic bedroom lighting...
Brass, Metal
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Kalmar 1960s Glass Ice Crystal Wall Lights or Sconces
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Pair of large Mid-Century Modern Austrian made ice crystal glass wall sconces, lights or lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1965. Featuring five hanging glass elements resembling melting ic...
Metal, Nickel
$1,400 / set
Two Wall lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Two wall lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s. Original condition only the shade are painted new. On-off switch on the shades. Wide is from 20-90 cm. we only have exactly the same ones ...
Brass, Aluminum
Kalmar Ice Glass Pendant Chandelier, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ice glass Kalmar chandelier. Attributed to J.T. Kalmar and Kalmar Lighting, Austria, 1960s. It holds four pieces of textured ice glass blocks hanging from a chain and topped by a metal canopy...
Metal, Steel
Two J.T. Kalmar Vienna „Billy TL“ White Mid-Century Table Desk Lamps, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to two beautiful vintage Modernist lamps from the 1950s, sold and priced individually. This is the "Billy TL" model, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in Vienna, Austria. These wonderfu...
Metal, Brass
Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Chandelier Corina, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Corina), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Three tiers structure gathering many structured polished crystal glass p...
Crystal, Brass
J.T. Kalmar Giant Spider Brass Flush Mount Chandelier Refurbished, Austria 1950
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
J.T. Kalmar Spider Brass Flush Mount Lamp Chandelier Stella, Austria 1950 Rare 33" chandelier called Stella designed by J.T Kalmar Vienna in the 1950s. ...
Brass
Wall Lamp by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in KUTNO, PL
Refined form and handcrafted craftsmanship — this is SIERRA 5 WA, an iconic wall lamp designed by the Austrian brand J.T. Kalmar in the 1970s. The model consists of five solid gl...
Metal
Midcentury Kalmar Frosted Ice Glass Panel Sconce Wall Light, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful wall lamp, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar Austria in the 1960s. Stunning design, it has a square frosted ice glass panel (7x7 inch) dangling on it. In good condition with ni...
Metal